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The Wise Women
A witty and wildly enjoyable novel about two adult daughters and their meddling advice columnist mother, for readers of Meg Wolitzer, Cathleen Schine, and Cythia D’Aprix Sweeney.
Popular advice columnist Wendy Wise has been skillfully advising the women who write to her seeking help for four decades, so why are her own daughters’ lives such a mess? Clementine, the working mother of a six-year-old boy, has just discovered that she is actually renting the Queens home that she thought she owned, because her husband Steve secretly funneled their money into his flailing start-up. Meanwhile, her sister Barb has overextended herself at her architecture firm and reunited semi-unhappily with her cheating girlfriend.
When Steve goes MIA and Clementine receives an eviction notice, Wendy swoops in to save the day, even though her daughters, who are holding onto some resentments from childhood, haven’t asked for her help. But as soon as Wendy sets her sights on hunting down her rogue son-in-law, Barb and Clementine quickly discover that their mother has been hiding more than a few problems of her own.
As the three women confront the disappointments and heartaches that have accumulated between them over the years, they discover that while the future may look entirely different from the one that they’ve expected, it may be even brighter than they’d hoped.
Popular advice columnist Wendy Wise has been skillfully advising the women who write to her seeking help for four decades, so why are her own daughters’ lives such a mess? Clementine, the working mother of a six-year-old boy, has just discovered that she is actually renting the Queens home that she thought she owned, because her husband Steve secretly funneled their money into his flailing start-up. Meanwhile, her sister Barb has overextended herself at her architecture firm and reunited semi-unhappily with her cheating girlfriend.
When Steve goes MIA and Clementine receives an eviction notice, Wendy swoops in to save the day, even though her daughters, who are holding onto some resentments from childhood, haven’t asked for her help. But as soon as Wendy sets her sights on hunting down her rogue son-in-law, Barb and Clementine quickly discover that their mother has been hiding more than a few problems of her own.
As the three women confront the disappointments and heartaches that have accumulated between them over the years, they discover that while the future may look entirely different from the one that they’ve expected, it may be even brighter than they’d hoped.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 5, 2022
286 people are currently reading
12880 people want to read
About the author
Gina Sorell
2 books134 followersAfter two decades as a working actor of stage and screen in NYC, LA, and Toronto, Gina decided to return to her first love–writing, and graduated with distinction from UCLA Extension Writers’ Program.
Her second novel The Wise Women, is a New York Times Editor's Pick, People Magazine Best New Books selection, Washington Post Summer Books selection, Good Morning America Buzz Pick, and a Today Show Jenna Reads Most Anticipated of 2022.
Her writing has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Refinery 29, Dame Magazine, LitHub, The Globe and Mail, The Millions and Real Simple.
Originally from Johannesburg, Gina has lived in New York and Los Angeles, and now lives in Toronto with her family.
Her second novel The Wise Women, is a New York Times Editor's Pick, People Magazine Best New Books selection, Washington Post Summer Books selection, Good Morning America Buzz Pick, and a Today Show Jenna Reads Most Anticipated of 2022.
Her writing has appeared in Good Housekeeping, Refinery 29, Dame Magazine, LitHub, The Globe and Mail, The Millions and Real Simple.
Originally from Johannesburg, Gina has lived in New York and Los Angeles, and now lives in Toronto with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 426 reviews
May 27, 2022
Wendy Wise has been dispensing advice through her Wise Words column for decades. Her traditionally-minded words have helped countless people with their various issues through the years and spawned several popular books. It seems the only people she hasn't helped much are her two daughters, successful NYC architect, Barb, in an on-off-on relationship with younger gym owner, Jill, and marketing advisor, Clementine, who is also mom to a sensitive, inquisitive and anxious six-year old son, Jonah. These are grown women with messy relationships of their own to contend with. When Clementine experiences a series of crises due to some questionable decisions by her husband, Steve, Wendy comes to save the day. Will her attempts to mother them now be too little too late?
I have to say I was nervous to pick this book up after some middling reviews came in, but I shouldn't have been. I really enjoyed it! Is it as messy as some of the relationships within its pages? Eh. Not really. Yes, there were a lot of threads going on, but I thought it was well-written and they all pulled together in the end, even if a little too neatly. It's a character-driven story full of dysfunctional people working through their issues, past and present, so if you don't enjoy that, this may not be the book for you. I, on the other hand, eat up the psychology of how people relate to one another, so this was kinda my jam. It's always nice to see people find their way back to each other.
Speaking of plot, a rather significant theme runs through the story about gentrification and repurposing, as it pertains to both physical buildings and the lives we live, which I thought was clever and eye-opening. There's also an interesting thread involving a social media personality and a little mystery involving one of the dumbest product names in history. Trust me - even the characters in the book all think it's dumb. Overall, I found this to be a warm-hearted, uplifting book, and I'll be watching for other titles by this author!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
Thanks to Harper Publishing, NetGalley, and author Gina Sorrells for the opportunity to give my honest opinions on this ARC. It's now available.
I have to say I was nervous to pick this book up after some middling reviews came in, but I shouldn't have been. I really enjoyed it! Is it as messy as some of the relationships within its pages? Eh. Not really. Yes, there were a lot of threads going on, but I thought it was well-written and they all pulled together in the end, even if a little too neatly. It's a character-driven story full of dysfunctional people working through their issues, past and present, so if you don't enjoy that, this may not be the book for you. I, on the other hand, eat up the psychology of how people relate to one another, so this was kinda my jam. It's always nice to see people find their way back to each other.
Speaking of plot, a rather significant theme runs through the story about gentrification and repurposing, as it pertains to both physical buildings and the lives we live, which I thought was clever and eye-opening. There's also an interesting thread involving a social media personality and a little mystery involving one of the dumbest product names in history. Trust me - even the characters in the book all think it's dumb. Overall, I found this to be a warm-hearted, uplifting book, and I'll be watching for other titles by this author!
★★★ ½ (rounded to 4)
Thanks to Harper Publishing, NetGalley, and author Gina Sorrells for the opportunity to give my honest opinions on this ARC. It's now available.
December 8, 2022
"The Wise Women" by Gina Sorell is the author's sophomore novel!
Wendy Wise has been an advice columnist for four decades and raised two daughters mostly as a single parent. Recently she's let go by her employer for a much younger voice, marries husband number three, and then moves to Florida to retire. Wendy's daughters have no idea!
Her youngest daughter, Clementine Wise, is a hard working mom who's been snookered by her devious husband, Steve. He used her savings to finance his start-up rather than the down payment on her dream home. It turns out they're renting and three months behind. Clementine knows the threat of eviction is real!
Her oldest daughter, Barbara Wise, is a successful architect who's overworked and overextended financially. She's reuniting with her cheating and much younger girlfriend, Jill. She's worried for her business, concerned for her neighborhood, and she believes Jill is still unfaithful. Barbara's a mess!
In fact, all three of 'The Wise Women' in this story are a mess! The characters feel cartoonish, unrealistic, like caricatures of 'stereo-typical' women. Wendy is the ditsy 'older woman'. Barbara is the chronically tired and angry 'business woman'. Clementine is the sweet, innocent, 'unsuspecting woman'. I didn't connect to any of these characters or to the wit and humor mentioned in the synopsis. None of this is what I was expecting from this Women's Fiction story!
What I enjoy from this story are the meaningful and socially relevant topics it covers: neighborhood gentrification, ageism and mental health, motherhood and family, empathy and forgiveness. With that said, the first half was slow and repetitive. The pace did pick up in the second half but it became predictable and the ending wrapped up a little too perfectly.
Sadly, I'm an outlier with this book, so please be sure to check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list! 2.75 stars rounded up to 3 stars for the meaningful and socially relevant topics!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper, and Gina Sorell for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
Wendy Wise has been an advice columnist for four decades and raised two daughters mostly as a single parent. Recently she's let go by her employer for a much younger voice, marries husband number three, and then moves to Florida to retire. Wendy's daughters have no idea!
Her youngest daughter, Clementine Wise, is a hard working mom who's been snookered by her devious husband, Steve. He used her savings to finance his start-up rather than the down payment on her dream home. It turns out they're renting and three months behind. Clementine knows the threat of eviction is real!
Her oldest daughter, Barbara Wise, is a successful architect who's overworked and overextended financially. She's reuniting with her cheating and much younger girlfriend, Jill. She's worried for her business, concerned for her neighborhood, and she believes Jill is still unfaithful. Barbara's a mess!
In fact, all three of 'The Wise Women' in this story are a mess! The characters feel cartoonish, unrealistic, like caricatures of 'stereo-typical' women. Wendy is the ditsy 'older woman'. Barbara is the chronically tired and angry 'business woman'. Clementine is the sweet, innocent, 'unsuspecting woman'. I didn't connect to any of these characters or to the wit and humor mentioned in the synopsis. None of this is what I was expecting from this Women's Fiction story!
What I enjoy from this story are the meaningful and socially relevant topics it covers: neighborhood gentrification, ageism and mental health, motherhood and family, empathy and forgiveness. With that said, the first half was slow and repetitive. The pace did pick up in the second half but it became predictable and the ending wrapped up a little too perfectly.
Sadly, I'm an outlier with this book, so please be sure to check out other reviews before you cross this one off your list! 2.75 stars rounded up to 3 stars for the meaningful and socially relevant topics!
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper, and Gina Sorell for a free ARC of this book. It has been an honor to give my honest and voluntary review.
June 2, 2022
Wendy is a well known advice columnist with daughters. Clementine finds out she is renting a house she thought she owned because her husband used their money to invest in a startup, and she had no idea. Barb is a workaholic architect who has just reunited with her exgirlfriend who previously cheated on her.
Clementine’s husband disappears, and she may be evicted. It’s then, finally, that Wendy dives in to help find Steve, the husband. Along the way, Barb and Clementine discover that Wendy’s life isn’t as perfect or upfront as it’s always appeared to be.
This is a thoughtful story about being happy where you land, even when it’s not what you had planned. Finding joy in the unexpected. Mending fences with loved ones. Second chances. I really enjoyed all the important topics addressed like ageism, mental health, mother-daughter relationships, forgiveness, and starting over. The Wise Women is a thoughtful, enjoyable, easy-to-read contemporary story.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Clementine’s husband disappears, and she may be evicted. It’s then, finally, that Wendy dives in to help find Steve, the husband. Along the way, Barb and Clementine discover that Wendy’s life isn’t as perfect or upfront as it’s always appeared to be.
This is a thoughtful story about being happy where you land, even when it’s not what you had planned. Finding joy in the unexpected. Mending fences with loved ones. Second chances. I really enjoyed all the important topics addressed like ageism, mental health, mother-daughter relationships, forgiveness, and starting over. The Wise Women is a thoughtful, enjoyable, easy-to-read contemporary story.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
February 3, 2023
This was an enjoyable look at relationships between two adult sisters and their mother.
Wendy Wise, the mother, is a longtime advice columnist who has just been let go for younger, fresher viewpoints. Clementine is married with a young son with anxiety and just discovered that the house she lives in is not one she owns, but one they are only renting. Her husband used all of the money for a carbonated vegetable juice startup that seems to be a nonstarter, and has lied to Clementine for years. Barb is an architect who recently got back together with her girlfriend who she thinks might be cheating on her again. The girls have resentment towards Wendy for caring more about others' problems and her own career than she did the girls when they were growing up.
There are some funny moments of this book, and the drama is at times irritating and at times very relatable. The "Wise Women" are pretty much anything but wise when it comes to relationships and being straightforward with each other. Clementine has especially taken her mother's advice throughout the years and it has definitely come to backfire on her.
I liked some of the issues that came up in the book, especially those dealing with the gentrification of neighborhoods and pushing out those who have long had businesses and homes there because they are unable to afford it anymore. Overall though, I didn't think this book goes deep enough into any of the characters or their problems. It scratches the surface but I didn't feel like I really knew any of them, there were too many issues and too many threads all over the place. Personally, I would not have put up with even a tiny bit of what Clementine did with her husband, despite what Wendy's advice was. There's no excuse for Clementine not knowing what was going on with their family money.
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was enjoyable in that format. Nothing earth shattering about the book, but it was a worthwhile read/listen.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
Wendy Wise, the mother, is a longtime advice columnist who has just been let go for younger, fresher viewpoints. Clementine is married with a young son with anxiety and just discovered that the house she lives in is not one she owns, but one they are only renting. Her husband used all of the money for a carbonated vegetable juice startup that seems to be a nonstarter, and has lied to Clementine for years. Barb is an architect who recently got back together with her girlfriend who she thinks might be cheating on her again. The girls have resentment towards Wendy for caring more about others' problems and her own career than she did the girls when they were growing up.
There are some funny moments of this book, and the drama is at times irritating and at times very relatable. The "Wise Women" are pretty much anything but wise when it comes to relationships and being straightforward with each other. Clementine has especially taken her mother's advice throughout the years and it has definitely come to backfire on her.
I liked some of the issues that came up in the book, especially those dealing with the gentrification of neighborhoods and pushing out those who have long had businesses and homes there because they are unable to afford it anymore. Overall though, I didn't think this book goes deep enough into any of the characters or their problems. It scratches the surface but I didn't feel like I really knew any of them, there were too many issues and too many threads all over the place. Personally, I would not have put up with even a tiny bit of what Clementine did with her husband, despite what Wendy's advice was. There's no excuse for Clementine not knowing what was going on with their family money.
I listened to this as an audiobook and it was enjoyable in that format. Nothing earth shattering about the book, but it was a worthwhile read/listen.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
January 22, 2022
Set in New York City The Wise Women is a story of a mother Wendy and her 2 adult daughters Barb and Clementine. Wendy is a recently retired advice columnist, who rarely takes her own advice. Clementine is a busy working mom to a six-year-old boy who has is going through a messy separation from her husband Steve. Barb works at an architecture firm and has recently been reunited with her girlfriend who cheated on her. One day Clementine receives an eviction notice from her apartment and her husband Steve is nowhere to be found. Wendy takes it upon herself to find Steve and save the day.
This story is told through each of the Wise women's points of view. I loved following each of these women as they resolved their own issues while supporting each other. At the end of the book, I felt deeply connected to each of them.
This is such a heartwarming story about Women navigating and trying to do their best through life. We go through the ups and downs of the complex relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters. The characters in this book are multidimensional and very relatable with all of their flaws. The setting was a very accurate description of NYC, at times I felt as if I was there myself.
The Wise Women also contains a subplot with gentrification that added so much dimension to the story.
I highly recommend this witty, smart, and charming book to fans of women's fiction stories. I see this book as being a perfect beach read and it would also be an excellent choice for book clubs.
The Wise Women will be available on April 5! A massive thanks to Harper books for the gifted copy
This story is told through each of the Wise women's points of view. I loved following each of these women as they resolved their own issues while supporting each other. At the end of the book, I felt deeply connected to each of them.
This is such a heartwarming story about Women navigating and trying to do their best through life. We go through the ups and downs of the complex relationships between mothers, daughters, and sisters. The characters in this book are multidimensional and very relatable with all of their flaws. The setting was a very accurate description of NYC, at times I felt as if I was there myself.
The Wise Women also contains a subplot with gentrification that added so much dimension to the story.
I highly recommend this witty, smart, and charming book to fans of women's fiction stories. I see this book as being a perfect beach read and it would also be an excellent choice for book clubs.
The Wise Women will be available on April 5! A massive thanks to Harper books for the gifted copy
March 1, 2022
Thank you Harper Books for the arc and Harper audio for the alc.
I’m not an avid reader of women’s fiction but this cover caught my eye. I must admit it’s a little deceiving as I expected more literary fiction.
I alternated between audio and physical book. The audio narration was okay, minus the male voices (yikes) but I adjusted and binged it in two days.
It’s an easy read albeit cheesy and too neatly wrapped up. I would suggest if you’re needing a palate cleanser this spring.
I’m not an avid reader of women’s fiction but this cover caught my eye. I must admit it’s a little deceiving as I expected more literary fiction.
I alternated between audio and physical book. The audio narration was okay, minus the male voices (yikes) but I adjusted and binged it in two days.
It’s an easy read albeit cheesy and too neatly wrapped up. I would suggest if you’re needing a palate cleanser this spring.
December 1, 2021
Wendy Wise, a successful advice columnist and author, has been doling out advice for decades. Unfortunately her two daughter’s lives are a mess, one is dealing with a lying husband and the other is navigating an unstable career and love life. This book had a strong start, I was initially drawn in by the story and had fun meeting the characters. Sadly, once I met them I found them all (including the child) incredibly annoying. I have a hard time in general with the perspective of “poor me, I’m a wealthy, attractive white woman,” and this book was chock full of rich people whining and complaining. I caught myself rolling my eyes several times while reading this book because so many things just “worked out.” It was like reading a Hallmark movie. Where everyone is selfish and complains a lot.
August 14, 2021
Honestly, I ADORED this book! I'll just start with that and get it off my chest. I would recommend this book to anyone, especially women, but also to young people in general, and also families of all forms and kinds, shapes and sizes! Such a modern and fresh look and truly from an author who is up and coming (I hope!)
I did get to read this in advance (lucky for me I got to work on this book and am so excited for its future release!) so it was really nice getting to take my time and enjoy this as a manuscript. The characters the author has created are so vulnerable, down to earth, and just feel totally real. I think that's why so many people are going to enjoy this story, plus its a contemporary tale that takes place in New York, and more specifically the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. I'm familiar with both from my undergrad years and so the references to the G Train being slow, or just neighborhood specifics like Greenpoint or Williamsburg, it hit all the right notes which I think is great. I read another Brooklyn-esque book not too long after this (released book from different publishing house) and it did not hit the right strokes in my opinion...but Wise Women really did! Not only does it give the right essence of the "outer boroughs" but the storyline weaved between the women of this tale and their loved ones really grounds the whole thing.
Speaking of weaving, I guess you could say theres a bit of thrill to this story, as you are trying to figure out everything going on with Clementine's husband Steve. And just how every little thing or person interconnects to another plot point, or leads to a specific scene. I just love that in books and in the case of The Wise Women it isn't over done or hit over your head too much. Its deftly calculated may we say, or perhaps, just "wisely" done.
Definitely would recommend this to a book club as well, I think it would be a great conversation starter for what everyone though the direction it would take, who done what, and just some good reminiscing on particulars from this tale. I really look forward to more from this author.
I did get to read this in advance (lucky for me I got to work on this book and am so excited for its future release!) so it was really nice getting to take my time and enjoy this as a manuscript. The characters the author has created are so vulnerable, down to earth, and just feel totally real. I think that's why so many people are going to enjoy this story, plus its a contemporary tale that takes place in New York, and more specifically the boroughs of Brooklyn and Queens. I'm familiar with both from my undergrad years and so the references to the G Train being slow, or just neighborhood specifics like Greenpoint or Williamsburg, it hit all the right notes which I think is great. I read another Brooklyn-esque book not too long after this (released book from different publishing house) and it did not hit the right strokes in my opinion...but Wise Women really did! Not only does it give the right essence of the "outer boroughs" but the storyline weaved between the women of this tale and their loved ones really grounds the whole thing.
Speaking of weaving, I guess you could say theres a bit of thrill to this story, as you are trying to figure out everything going on with Clementine's husband Steve. And just how every little thing or person interconnects to another plot point, or leads to a specific scene. I just love that in books and in the case of The Wise Women it isn't over done or hit over your head too much. Its deftly calculated may we say, or perhaps, just "wisely" done.
Definitely would recommend this to a book club as well, I think it would be a great conversation starter for what everyone though the direction it would take, who done what, and just some good reminiscing on particulars from this tale. I really look forward to more from this author.
April 9, 2023
A lighthearted family drama about three wise women, a mother and her two daughters. Told in multiple POVs by each of the women, Wendy, Barb & Clementine.
The support the sisters had for eachother was heartwarming, and I enjoyed the chapters when the focus was on the two of them. I didn't really feel a connection with the mother, but did like that each chapter started with her words of wisdom.
An enjoyable read overall. One to take to the beach. A nice palette cleanser.
My thanks to Suz Dugard, Harper Collins Canada and the author for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
The support the sisters had for eachother was heartwarming, and I enjoyed the chapters when the focus was on the two of them. I didn't really feel a connection with the mother, but did like that each chapter started with her words of wisdom.
An enjoyable read overall. One to take to the beach. A nice palette cleanser.
My thanks to Suz Dugard, Harper Collins Canada and the author for this gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 1, 2022
I won this book (advanced readers edition) in a goodreads giveaway. This was a cute story, it even had some touching, heartfelt moments in it. It was interesting enough to keep reading, but the plot didn’t really draw me in. Also the ending was wrapped up way too neatly for my liking, it just seemed unrealistic. Every single bad character is redeemed, every thing that a person did that was wrong was either a miscommunication, done for a secret right reason, or they end up making up for it in a major way. This book couldn’t commit to having a single bad thing happen to any of the characters. They keep the treehouse, their careers all work out, Aquaveg (aka Aqualove) is somehow a success, and the fake out heart attack that’s really a panic attack was just a bit too predictable. It felt like there were zero stakes which made this novel feel more like a hallmark movie or something. I think this author is a good writer, the characters are unique and the story is nice, but I believe that the characters are just too protected, and that takes away from the book. It’s hard to celebrate their wins when they only have wins and nothing truly bad ever happens to them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 30, 2023
TITLE: THE WISE WOMEN
AUTHOR: GINA SORELL
PUB DATE: 04.05.2023 Now Available Paperback Reprint Edition
A witty and wildly enjoyable novel, set in New York City, about two adult daughters and their meddling advice columnist mother, for readers of Meg Wolitzer, Cathleen Schine, and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney.
Thoughts:
I enjoyed my time with the Wise women - Wendy Wise the matriarch and her two daughters Clementine and Barb - whose lives are a bit of a mess. The characters are fun to read and I feel we can all relate to their troubles with spouses, money, and work issues - especially these un wise decisions stemming from their mother, a well known advice columnist whose parental guidance is more than lacking. There is equal balance of light hearted humor and also heartbreaking and tender moments. I love the setting of NYC and to see the characters’ growth. I enjoyed spending time with these Wise women.
Great book to take on the beach or vacation this summer!
AUTHOR: GINA SORELL
PUB DATE: 04.05.2023 Now Available Paperback Reprint Edition
A witty and wildly enjoyable novel, set in New York City, about two adult daughters and their meddling advice columnist mother, for readers of Meg Wolitzer, Cathleen Schine, and Cynthia D’Aprix Sweeney.
Thoughts:
I enjoyed my time with the Wise women - Wendy Wise the matriarch and her two daughters Clementine and Barb - whose lives are a bit of a mess. The characters are fun to read and I feel we can all relate to their troubles with spouses, money, and work issues - especially these un wise decisions stemming from their mother, a well known advice columnist whose parental guidance is more than lacking. There is equal balance of light hearted humor and also heartbreaking and tender moments. I love the setting of NYC and to see the characters’ growth. I enjoyed spending time with these Wise women.
Great book to take on the beach or vacation this summer!
July 4, 2022
I won a copy of this Advance Reader Copy in physical form through a Goodreads giveaway. My thoughts are honest and unbiased.
Don't even know why I finished this instead of DNF-ing at ...30% There wasn't anything here that felt like a meal... everything felt like cotton candy... you barely taste it before it disappears on your tongue and you don't get any satisfaction. I'm being savage, I know... but I am angry at myself for having read this, mostly because I kept thinking it was going to do something else, something more, something different, but I was sorely disappointed. The main flaw of this book, its biggest sin, is that ALL of the female characters are viewed through the lens of their romantic relationships. And although that is fine in the context of a romance novel (the purpose of which is to depict a romantic relationship to fruition) in the context of a slice of life depicting women, it makes characterization reductive. I get the point of the novel was to show a relationship before during and after marriage, but the price to pay was being saddled with one-dimensional characters with little else to say.
Don't even know why I finished this instead of DNF-ing at ...30% There wasn't anything here that felt like a meal... everything felt like cotton candy... you barely taste it before it disappears on your tongue and you don't get any satisfaction. I'm being savage, I know... but I am angry at myself for having read this, mostly because I kept thinking it was going to do something else, something more, something different, but I was sorely disappointed. The main flaw of this book, its biggest sin, is that ALL of the female characters are viewed through the lens of their romantic relationships. And although that is fine in the context of a romance novel (the purpose of which is to depict a romantic relationship to fruition) in the context of a slice of life depicting women, it makes characterization reductive. I get the point of the novel was to show a relationship before during and after marriage, but the price to pay was being saddled with one-dimensional characters with little else to say.
May 13, 2022
3.5 rounded up
This was a highly enjoyable domestic drama by a Canadian author. Featuring strong and memorable female characters, the story examines the mother daughter relationships between three grown women. Perfect for fans of Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney or Emma Straub the book follows two grown daughters and their meddling advice columnist mother as they experience various life changes which ultimately bring all three closer together.
Great on audio narrated by Stacey Glemboski, this book was an insightful mediation on rising real estate prices, the challenges of single motherhood and finding what brings you joy. Much thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for my ALC! Plus, can we all appreciate what a gorgeous cover this book has????
This was a highly enjoyable domestic drama by a Canadian author. Featuring strong and memorable female characters, the story examines the mother daughter relationships between three grown women. Perfect for fans of Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney or Emma Straub the book follows two grown daughters and their meddling advice columnist mother as they experience various life changes which ultimately bring all three closer together.
Great on audio narrated by Stacey Glemboski, this book was an insightful mediation on rising real estate prices, the challenges of single motherhood and finding what brings you joy. Much thanks to NetGalley and Harper Audio for my ALC! Plus, can we all appreciate what a gorgeous cover this book has????
June 14, 2022
3.5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable and lighthearted family drama about three women- a mother and her two daughters. The mother, Wendy Wise, has a very popular advice column, and her daughters feel like they had to raise themselves because their mom was too busy helping other people. All of the women are having some sort of crisis, which forces each of them to reevaluate their lives.
Clementine and Jonah were my favorite characters. I loved the sweet mother/son relationship that they had. I also liked the exploration of the relationship between these daughters and their mother, and the divide between them. The author also wrote about gentrification and the struggle of trying to make it in New York City.
Although I enjoyed this overall, I wanted a bit more from the characters and plot. It started off so strong with a betrayal, but then plateaued for a while until we got to the end. But I still think this lighter contemporary fiction would make a good beach read!
Thank you to the publisher for giving me a free copy of this book! All opinions are my own.
This was an enjoyable and lighthearted family drama about three women- a mother and her two daughters. The mother, Wendy Wise, has a very popular advice column, and her daughters feel like they had to raise themselves because their mom was too busy helping other people. All of the women are having some sort of crisis, which forces each of them to reevaluate their lives.
Clementine and Jonah were my favorite characters. I loved the sweet mother/son relationship that they had. I also liked the exploration of the relationship between these daughters and their mother, and the divide between them. The author also wrote about gentrification and the struggle of trying to make it in New York City.
Although I enjoyed this overall, I wanted a bit more from the characters and plot. It started off so strong with a betrayal, but then plateaued for a while until we got to the end. But I still think this lighter contemporary fiction would make a good beach read!
April 5, 2023
3.5 rounded up.
I had so much fun reading this book! The Wise Women in question - Clementine, Barb, and Wendy - are embroiled in so much drama (mostly of their own making) and it makes for a really fun ride.
I flew through this book way faster than I expected; it’s an enjoyable, easy read that had me wanting to pick it up because I liked the Wise women and had to know what was going to happen (especially with Clementine’s dud of a husband and their sweet son, Jonah).
Mostly what I loved about this book was the social commentary on gentrification (a topic I know all too well) and the ways in which it impacts communities. Other topics entrepreneurship, ageism, mental health, and motherhood - there’s lots to unpack. But despite some heavier topics, the book handles things with a fun tone and in a way that I would describe as uplifting.
I recommend this one if you like happy books, books about families (like The Nest), and books with some deeper messages.
I am ever so grateful to my pal Suz Dugard, the publisher Harper Collins Canada, and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
I had so much fun reading this book! The Wise Women in question - Clementine, Barb, and Wendy - are embroiled in so much drama (mostly of their own making) and it makes for a really fun ride.
I flew through this book way faster than I expected; it’s an enjoyable, easy read that had me wanting to pick it up because I liked the Wise women and had to know what was going to happen (especially with Clementine’s dud of a husband and their sweet son, Jonah).
Mostly what I loved about this book was the social commentary on gentrification (a topic I know all too well) and the ways in which it impacts communities. Other topics entrepreneurship, ageism, mental health, and motherhood - there’s lots to unpack. But despite some heavier topics, the book handles things with a fun tone and in a way that I would describe as uplifting.
I recommend this one if you like happy books, books about families (like The Nest), and books with some deeper messages.
I am ever so grateful to my pal Suz Dugard, the publisher Harper Collins Canada, and the author for my gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 5, 2022
I enjoy stories of mothers and daughters and The Wise Women was no exception. The book is full of relationship issues: between these women and their spouses, as well as between each other. Having the perspective of all three women really worked in this book.
As the matriarch, advice columnist Wendy Wise was used to being the expert on relationships. Widowed at a young age, she did her best to raise her two daughters. Having said that, she was not perfect. The way that each of her daughters views their relationship with her is much different.
Barb is the older of the two sisters. She has a strong relationship with her sister, but a somewhat estranged one with her mother. Barb was given a lot of responsibility growing up and is continuing this with her architecture firm. Striving to be independent in all ways possible, her workaholic tendencies have impacted her relationships.
Clementine’s story one is the most interesting one. After learning of her husband Steve’s financial management of the couple’s money, she finds herself and her six-year-old son without a home. Moreover, Steve has just racked up several thousand dollars on their credit card. Never feeling like she could meet her mother’s expectations, she’s come to ask her mother’s advice through her advice column using an alias.
The characters are likeable and the story is entertaining. It was interesting to read how these relationships progressed and how communication lends perspective. If you enjoy Women’s Fiction or stories of family relationships, I’d recommend The Wise Women.
I listened to the audiobook version of the Wise Women which was narrated by Stacey Glemboski. I enjoyed her performance and her ability to provide a realistic voice to all three women. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.
As the matriarch, advice columnist Wendy Wise was used to being the expert on relationships. Widowed at a young age, she did her best to raise her two daughters. Having said that, she was not perfect. The way that each of her daughters views their relationship with her is much different.
Barb is the older of the two sisters. She has a strong relationship with her sister, but a somewhat estranged one with her mother. Barb was given a lot of responsibility growing up and is continuing this with her architecture firm. Striving to be independent in all ways possible, her workaholic tendencies have impacted her relationships.
Clementine’s story one is the most interesting one. After learning of her husband Steve’s financial management of the couple’s money, she finds herself and her six-year-old son without a home. Moreover, Steve has just racked up several thousand dollars on their credit card. Never feeling like she could meet her mother’s expectations, she’s come to ask her mother’s advice through her advice column using an alias.
The characters are likeable and the story is entertaining. It was interesting to read how these relationships progressed and how communication lends perspective. If you enjoy Women’s Fiction or stories of family relationships, I’d recommend The Wise Women.
I listened to the audiobook version of the Wise Women which was narrated by Stacey Glemboski. I enjoyed her performance and her ability to provide a realistic voice to all three women. I have no hesitation in recommending the audiobook version of the book to those that enjoy this format.
February 23, 2022
Everything you need to know before buying this book is explained perfectly in the synopsis. This book is about three women, well, four if you count Barb's girlfriend and their difficulties in their lives.
This is a story about a true-to-life family. Unfortunately, this family seems to have it all, including major financial problems, a missing husband, a possible pyramid scheme, and an eviction.
This is also a book about the rising housing costs in cities (and suburbs) and what needs to be done to keep neighborhoods reasonable without over-building. We've been dealing with that in my own little city, so this aspect really resonated with me. I believe that it will resonate with many younger first-time home buyers too. But enough with my preaching!
The characters are fully fleshed, the story is told without repetition, the descriptions of the neighborhoods are spot on, and the resolution to this story is spot on. There are unique nuances and a lot of synchronicity to this book!
I loved this book and firmly see this as a wonderful book for book clubs and the perfect women's fiction beach read.
*ARC provided by the publisher Harper, the author, and Edelweiss.
August 3, 2021
Such a good read! Definitely reminiscent of Eleanor Lipman and Cathleen Schine. This is a Woman’s novel, with too much that is a bit unbelievable, but nonetheless a fun trip. It’s the story of the 3 Wise women, a mother and her 2 daughters. There has been a lifetime of misunderstandings and resentment, yet the essence of mother daughter love does triumph.
When Clementine is in trouble, she is rescued by her sister Barb, and her mother. Despite years of estrangement, they work together to cobble a future. I loved the fact that even an inadequate mother can become a loving, devoted grandmother. The author doesn’t take the easy way out, but deals with marital issues in a sane and mature way.
I found the 3 main characters likable, with enough baddies to spice up the plot. As a New Yorker, I even appreciated dealing with the issues surrounding public schools that are a plague on the lives of NY families.
Thank you Netgalley for this engaging novel.
When Clementine is in trouble, she is rescued by her sister Barb, and her mother. Despite years of estrangement, they work together to cobble a future. I loved the fact that even an inadequate mother can become a loving, devoted grandmother. The author doesn’t take the easy way out, but deals with marital issues in a sane and mature way.
I found the 3 main characters likable, with enough baddies to spice up the plot. As a New Yorker, I even appreciated dealing with the issues surrounding public schools that are a plague on the lives of NY families.
Thank you Netgalley for this engaging novel.
April 5, 2022
I love Gina Sorell's writing! MOTHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS, her debut, introduced me to her work -- it's a beautiful addition to one of my favorite genres, the mother-daughter story.
In her second exceptional novel, THE WISE WOMEN, Sorell offers another inventive and warm-to-the-core mother-daughter tale. Wendy, Barb and Clem navigate loves, betrayal, New York real estate, parenting, and, through it all, their tangled relationships with each other and unspoken hurts from their past. Sorell creates a triumvirate of memorable main characters in these three women, and her fluid writing pulled me along effortlessly, surprising me more than once with third-act twists (and I pride myself on guessing twists!)
Full of heart, honest, timely, beautifully written...and so wise.
In her second exceptional novel, THE WISE WOMEN, Sorell offers another inventive and warm-to-the-core mother-daughter tale. Wendy, Barb and Clem navigate loves, betrayal, New York real estate, parenting, and, through it all, their tangled relationships with each other and unspoken hurts from their past. Sorell creates a triumvirate of memorable main characters in these three women, and her fluid writing pulled me along effortlessly, surprising me more than once with third-act twists (and I pride myself on guessing twists!)
Full of heart, honest, timely, beautifully written...and so wise.
June 18, 2024
Good family book
May 12, 2022
Terrific Concept for a compelling story that is well executed by the author.
It was the exact book I wanted to read: a great balance of serious and light, well drawn characters challenged by life, but you have to love them, I certainly understood them and their love for each other gets them though without any pat answers. To be honest I was not sure how this would end which I enjoyed. There were many ways the story could unfold and one of the things I loved best was the fact that it was believable and it made me feel good
Don't we all need a bit of feel good about now? It is hard to find that book that is well written with well drawn characters that doesn't make you suffer but keeps you moving to see what is going to happen next.
The mom as advice columnist with her quotes at the beginning of each chapter was clever - set up her character well. Both sisters had depth and believable personalities and I enjoyed my time with them as well as the locations in New York. I am hoping this gets picked up as a movie or series as I think the characters and stories would translate well to the big screen.
It was the exact book I wanted to read: a great balance of serious and light, well drawn characters challenged by life, but you have to love them, I certainly understood them and their love for each other gets them though without any pat answers. To be honest I was not sure how this would end which I enjoyed. There were many ways the story could unfold and one of the things I loved best was the fact that it was believable and it made me feel good
Don't we all need a bit of feel good about now? It is hard to find that book that is well written with well drawn characters that doesn't make you suffer but keeps you moving to see what is going to happen next.
The mom as advice columnist with her quotes at the beginning of each chapter was clever - set up her character well. Both sisters had depth and believable personalities and I enjoyed my time with them as well as the locations in New York. I am hoping this gets picked up as a movie or series as I think the characters and stories would translate well to the big screen.
June 9, 2022
Many of us thought our moms were our own personal advice columnists. In this wonderful novel, Gina Sorell's character is a real columnist with decades of experience, and a mom of daughters, a reprehensible son-in-law, and many secrets of her own. Watching a flawed family ( and who knows a perfect family?) trying to figure it out makes for enjoyable, instructive and at times, inspirational reading. Perfect to take on vacation, share with friends, a bookclub or maybe give to your own mom! I highly recommend.
May 31, 2022
This was such an engaging read-- I tore through it. It's built around the three Wise women, two sisters and their self-absorbed but complicated mother, and all are dealing with challenging transitions that build to a crescendo. Some of Sorell's observations of modern life are laugh-out-loud funny, and she gives the novel social depth with its nuanced look at issues around gentrification, urban life, home ownership, and community.
April 4, 2023
4.5 STARS - The Wise Women is a story about the complicated and messy family bonds between a mother and her adult daughters. Wendy Wise is an advice columnist and mother of Barb, a successful NYC architect whose relationship with her girlfriend, Jill is often rocky, and Clementine, who works in marketing, is mom to six-year-old Jonah and is married to Steve. When problems arise for Clementine, Wendy jumps at the chance to help mend her relationships with her daughters and offer her words of wisdom - welcomed or not.
This is a character-driven story that focuses on how experiences and grudges from the past can take their toll on current relationships. I loved the connection between the sisters and the sweet bond between Barb and her nephew Jonah (who is the absolute sweetheart of the story). Readers get perspectives from the three Wise women, each of whom have realistic flaws and struggles that many readers will relate to. I loved Clementine's verbal comebacks as she finds her strength and I enjoyed how readers may see these three women in different light as we come to understand the reasons behind their decisions.
This is a heartwarming story that has some witty moments, serendipitous connections and a neat and tidy, yet satisfying ending. I enjoyed the various themes that were incorporated into the story - second chances, setting boundaries, the power of social media, and regentrification of neighbourhoods.
This is a story about three women trying to do the best with what life has thrown at them. At the heart of this contemporary fiction story is the power of family, forgiveness and standing up for what you need out of life. This would make a great book club selection!
Disclaimer: My sincere thanks to HarperCollins Canada for my complimentary copy of this book which was provided in exchange for my honest review.
April 27, 2023
Wendy Wise is an advice expert - for years she has been dispensing her brand of wisdom to loyal readers of her column. Unfortunately, Wendy's advice is starting to sound a little out of touch with the times, so when her employer decides that Wendy's column is done, she decides to fill the gap in her schedule by swooping in for a long overdue visit with her daughters. Barb Wise has been more of a mother figure to sister Clementine over the years, due to the fact that Wendy was often absent and attending to her career. Neither one welcomes a visit from Wendy, with her trite advice and annoying meddling. Unknown to Wendy, both Barb and Clementine are struggling these days, in their relationships, finances and work. Can the three help each other through their difficulties and resolve the resentments of the past?
This was a fun, enjoyable book and a fast read. The pace is quick and lively, and the mood light, despite the seriousness of some of the issues including bullying, betrayal, financial struggles, gentrification, and absentee parents. Because of the light tone and the fact that none of these issues is explored in any depth, the reader only gets to know the characters on a very superficial level. The issues are resolved tidily in the conclusion, parts of which I perceived as very unrealistic.
However if you are searching for a light read, perhaps to take on vacation, and you don't want to be stressed out then this is a good choice. Many thanks to Harper Collins Canada and Suz Dugard for the copy!
This was a fun, enjoyable book and a fast read. The pace is quick and lively, and the mood light, despite the seriousness of some of the issues including bullying, betrayal, financial struggles, gentrification, and absentee parents. Because of the light tone and the fact that none of these issues is explored in any depth, the reader only gets to know the characters on a very superficial level. The issues are resolved tidily in the conclusion, parts of which I perceived as very unrealistic.
However if you are searching for a light read, perhaps to take on vacation, and you don't want to be stressed out then this is a good choice. Many thanks to Harper Collins Canada and Suz Dugard for the copy!
August 29, 2022
4.75 rounded up
I was not expecting this book to be so damn good. I couldn't put it down. i LIVE for family dramas, but this one was sprinkled with something special. Gina Sorell writes fabulously and drew me in from the very first chapter. Also, she lives in Toronto so I'm biased. I thought the concept of an advice columnist trying to fix her two daughters lives that are seemingly falling apart was a pretty unique concept, but it turned out to be so much more than that. It was such a fun read. Written from each of the women's POVs, we got to glance into exactly what each woman was thinking and feeling and how it was perceived by the other 2 women. That made the connection between each of the women seem more intense, which I really liked. The characters were all extremely likeable, because they felt authentic and real.
I loved the sense of togetherness in dealing with financial problems, betrayal from partners, dealing with children who need a bit more attention and love, gentrification and searching for connection. I also really liked to see the growth from 'women are made to make their husbands happy' Wendy to ‘modern day women with slightly more liberal views’ Wendy. She really came into her own while still keeping her values (but adding Instagram, of course). Sometimes I really don't like when things are tied up into a neat little bow at the end of a book, but I really appreciated that everything seemed to work out okay in the end. I'm keeping my eye out for Gina Sorell, she's an incredible author.
I was not expecting this book to be so damn good. I couldn't put it down. i LIVE for family dramas, but this one was sprinkled with something special. Gina Sorell writes fabulously and drew me in from the very first chapter. Also, she lives in Toronto so I'm biased. I thought the concept of an advice columnist trying to fix her two daughters lives that are seemingly falling apart was a pretty unique concept, but it turned out to be so much more than that. It was such a fun read. Written from each of the women's POVs, we got to glance into exactly what each woman was thinking and feeling and how it was perceived by the other 2 women. That made the connection between each of the women seem more intense, which I really liked. The characters were all extremely likeable, because they felt authentic and real.
I loved the sense of togetherness in dealing with financial problems, betrayal from partners, dealing with children who need a bit more attention and love, gentrification and searching for connection. I also really liked to see the growth from 'women are made to make their husbands happy' Wendy to ‘modern day women with slightly more liberal views’ Wendy. She really came into her own while still keeping her values (but adding Instagram, of course). Sometimes I really don't like when things are tied up into a neat little bow at the end of a book, but I really appreciated that everything seemed to work out okay in the end. I'm keeping my eye out for Gina Sorell, she's an incredible author.
April 20, 2023
The book follows the three women of the Wise family. Clementine who separates from her no good husband, and has to be a single mom to her young son. Barb, who is financially stable, but unlucky in love. And the matriarch, Wendy, who after the love her her life passes away, bounces from man to man.
Wendy is a former advice columnist, who tries to help her own family, but they don’t really want her help. Wendy butts into their lives without really asking if they need assistance. I liked the three different POVs, but I enjoyed the two daughters more. Both Barb and Clem work in real estate and I found that very interesting since I work in commercial real estate finance. I also love that the author used the outer boroughs of NYC as the location of the novel.
Many thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @harperperennial and @ginasorell for my gifted copy.
Wendy is a former advice columnist, who tries to help her own family, but they don’t really want her help. Wendy butts into their lives without really asking if they need assistance. I liked the three different POVs, but I enjoyed the two daughters more. Both Barb and Clem work in real estate and I found that very interesting since I work in commercial real estate finance. I also love that the author used the outer boroughs of NYC as the location of the novel.
Many thanks to @suzyapprovedbooktours @harperperennial and @ginasorell for my gifted copy.
April 26, 2023
3.5 stars
Two adult sisters navigate the challenges of adulting after being raised by an advice columnist mother whose advice might not be so great.
I enjoyed this light read about these three women, their relationships and their careers. Without getting too heavy, the book explores marriage, parenting, dating, ageism, money, mental health, divorce, death of a parent/spouse, and gentrification.
I especially loved the advice sprinkled throughout the book - some of it made me laugh, others made me ponder.
This would be a great vacation or summer read.
Two adult sisters navigate the challenges of adulting after being raised by an advice columnist mother whose advice might not be so great.
I enjoyed this light read about these three women, their relationships and their careers. Without getting too heavy, the book explores marriage, parenting, dating, ageism, money, mental health, divorce, death of a parent/spouse, and gentrification.
I especially loved the advice sprinkled throughout the book - some of it made me laugh, others made me ponder.
This would be a great vacation or summer read.
March 2, 2023
A cute enjoyable read. I liked seeing the relationship between the two adult sisters and their mother. The family drama, although some were serious issues, didn’t have ill intent or come off as horrible characters. I think the ending wrapped up things nicely and enjoyed seeing the “advice” more focused on self and female empowerment, versus in the beginning.
July 11, 2022
Delightful, wise, and witty. Sorell’s women jump off the page. They’re your sisters, neighbors, friends, mothers…women we all know and women I’d love to hang out with. Thank you, Gina, for hours of pleasure reading your novel. I anxiously await your next.
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